Canada-US regulatory co-operation

Similarly, Scott Jacobs argued that while the federal government will need some level of investment in skills to implement the recommendations of the External Advisory Committee on Smart Regulation, it is completely unrealistic to benchmark Canada’s regulatory resources against those in the United States. [...] The presentation by Michael Keenan reflected the effects, on both the agriculture sector and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, of the ongoing problems with US market access following the discovery of BSE in Canada’s cattle industry. [...] Scott Jacobs voiced the opinion that in the convergence of Canada-US regulations there should be no concern about diminished consumer protection or the adoption of the minimum standard. [...] She also argued for objectivity in the research and in the presentation of the results. [...] The Regulatory Affairs and Orders in Council Secretariat of the Privy Council Office is developing a public action plan, consulting with the public, federal-provincial/territorial partners, non-governmental organizations, industry, and international organizations, and working with the Canada- United States Secretariat at the Privy Council Office to develop a North American action plan.